The San Juan County Council addressed ferry service disruptions at Orcas Landing, adopted an emergency declaration, and took action on land-use planning, legislative priorities, budgets, lodging-tax awards and a transportation plan. The council also discussed public-records workloads and state shoreline rulemaking.

Discussion Points

•Barge capacity was limited; officials discussed grocery deliveries, trash hauling and medical supplies.
•County staff described limits on fees, staffing levels and efforts to distribute workload.
•Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Kane advised that the emergency and intended assistance should be clearly articulated.
•Ferry reservation improvements might be pursued through a transportation budget proviso rather than a direct bill.
•LTAC recommended $2,006,398 in awards from 45 applications.
•Members discussed seeking state assistance and separately investigating the cause and maintenance history.
•Members discussed state and local funding options for environmental stewardship and conservation.
•Members discussed state-level legislative relief and a possible presentation to the Washington State Association of Counties.
•Members discussed the reserve and the Visitors Bureau’s $590,000 recommendation compared with its $600,000 application.
•Members discussed using the plan in future implementation and advocacy.
•Members questioned why the Lopez Village UGA map change was proposed as county-led work rather than an applicant-funded process.
•Members requested clarification about prior-year projections and effects on reserves.
•Six proposed amendments were presented, but the council’s motion included only three.
•Staff described increased request volume and complexity, including records requests spanning departments and decades.
•Staff recommended withdrawing the nonconforming shoreline redevelopment provision from the current update and addressing it in the 2030 periodic update.
•Staff said Island Center land-use table changes 26-003 and 26-004 were already in process.
•Staff said simple, specific requests are subject to a five-day production requirement under the model rules.
•The 2027 budget was $1.207 million, 2.85% above 2026.
•The agritourism award was discussed in relation to an Agricultural Resources Committee coordinator position and reimbursement timing.
•The Baylor Shed remained in permitting, with an extension through 2027.
•The chair proposed asking for more review time and funding for analysis and implementation.
•The chair said the resolution would allow people to be taken off fire watch.
•The County Manager said the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had made minor form revisions.
•The county’s comment deadline was Nov. 17, and staff said the proposed rules could affect ongoing county planning work.
•The district reported a reserve of about $210,000 and volunteer labor valued at nearly $100,000 annually.
•The health benefit exchange proposal would seek regionalized coverage for San Juan County; a bill was expected to be developed with legislative partners.
•The Land Bank director said a potential 80-acre ownership share of the 122-acre Talking Horse acquisition remained unresolved.
•The plan identifies immigrant residents and ferry-dependent access to health care and supplies as transportation concerns.
•The planner said the state had a 180-day deadline ending March 16, 2027.
•The plan reflects council, provider and state transportation agency input.
•The position reclassification still required approvals.
•The proposal covered 16 requests and was described as budget cleanup and appropriation adjustments.
•The proposal totaled just over $5.5 million and included two acquisitions and a position reclassification.
•The Public Works contract extension was separate from the 2027 award total.
•The restrictions were expected to last at least a week and could affect commerce, deliveries and essential services.
•The total proposed current-expense changes were $367,000 in revenue and $1.2 million in expenses, with about $860,000 in budgeted cash used.

Decisions

•A separate investigation request was deferred for a later discussion.
•The council adopted the plan and superseded the existing plan.
•The council agreed to prepare a county comment; no formal motion or vote was recorded.
•The council approved adding 26-003, 26-004 and 26-005 to the Department of Community Development work plan.
•The council approved a declaration of emergency due to Washington State Ferries infrastructure disruptions.
•The council approved San Juan County’s 2027 legislative priorities.
•The council approved the resolution waiving public bidding for the replacement panel.
•The council authorized the County Manager to execute awards as presented and the recommended extension for contract 26CC.021.
•The council did not adopt the amendment at this meeting.
•The council did not adopt the proposed amendment.
•The council set a Dec. 15 public hearing.
•The council set a Dec. 15 public hearing for the proposed 2026 budget amendment.
•The governing body approved the district’s 2027 annual budget.

Directions

•Council members were asked to monitor legislative initiatives.
•Policy advisers would continue discussions with the legislative delegation before the session.
•Staff agreed to provide additional detail on costs already reflected in 2027 projections.
•Staff were to continue coordinating and provide council updates; a special meeting could be called if financial action became necessary.
•Staff were to work with the chair to draft and submit a county comment seeking more time and funding.
•Staff will continue looking for more efficient ways to distribute the public-records workload.
•The coordinator could delay reimbursement processing for the agritourism award until staffing and work details were settled.
•The Land Bank director was to return with a project update on Nov. 24.

Oct

Hearing Examiner

San Juan County hearing examiner Gary McLean presided over multiple land-use matters including a continuance for a Port of Friday Harbor shoreline permit, an appeal of a code-enforcement stop-work order at 769 Afterglow Drive focused on potential archaeological disturbance, a conditional-use permit for a bulk propane storage facility at Cattle Point Road, and consolidated plat-alteration/simple-land-division applications for New RH LLC. Several matters were continued or had the record held open for follow-up evidence and briefing.

Discussion Points

•Appellant's surveyor testified no significant elevation increase was observed and some material is on neighboring parcel.
•Applicant argued the 60% requirement stemmed from a provision later invalidated by court and that current code requires 30% nonbuilding-area for rural divisions.
•Applicant (Port) agreed and had submitted its own supplemental code analysis.
•Applicant requested flexibility to vary tank sizes or add capacity later, and agreed to submit proposed language to staff.
•County staff said no permit application or cultural-resources survey was submitted before work began.
•DAP testified that neighbor's archaeological assessment photos and shovel probes show disturbed shell midden adjacent to 769 Afterglow Drive.
•Examiner encouraged parties to meet and consider a voluntary corrective agreement.
•Examiner set a written-briefing deadline and allowed for extensions by email.
•Examiner set conditional November 25 continuation or automatic December 16 continuation if staff report not posted 10 days prior.
•Parties requested and were granted time to review newly admitted photographic evidence.
•Project description includes 20,000-gallon porta-pack and 30,000-gallon tank; no retail sales planned.
•Staff addendum flagged uncertainty about whether the 2002 60% open-space figure was a mandatory requirement or an elective alternative design.
•Staff concluded wetlands and buffers are unaffected and required emergency management/response plan and NFPA compliance.
•Staff requested continuance because late comments required supplemental analysis.
•Surveyor testified maps show 8.12 acres tied to the 2002 altered lots and that combined open space exceeds 30%.

Decisions

•Item continued; no substantive hearing held today.
•No decision at hearing; examiner to issue consolidated written decision.
•No final decision at hearing; record remains open and examiner will issue a written decision after briefs.
•No final hearing decision; staff recommended approval and examiner will issue a written decision after any applicant/staff follow-up.
•Record held open; no substantive ruling at hearing.

Directions

•Applicant to provide written proposal for permit flexibility by close of business for staff review.
•Examiner held record open and set deadlines for written closings and allowed parties time to negotiate a stipulated corrective agreement.
•Examiner to take consolidated record under advisement and issue a written decision; the parties may submit minor follow-up exhibits if needed.
•Hearing examiner admitted county exhibit 16 (photos/report) and ordered that parties exchange evidence.
•If parties reach a stipulation, they may submit it for the examiner's consideration.
•Parties to exchange exhibits and file written closings by the deadline.
•Public may comment at the continued hearing.
•Staff to aim to post report by November 12 if November 25 hearing to proceed; otherwise item moves to December 16.
•Staff to respond and, if agreed, to transmit an updated record for the examiner.

Oct

Lopez Village Planning Review Committee

At a San Juan County Lopez Village committee meeting, members discussed fish-bearing stream designations and proposed freshwater buffer changes affecting development in the Lopez Village urban growth area; they also reviewed several permits including a sewer-district wetland reconstruction, a boundary-line modification, and a Weeks Point shoreline exemption.

Discussion Points

•Committee asked staff to check county GIS/consultant inputs and to provide an analysis of impacts on developable acreage and growth plan outcomes.
•Committee discussed recreational value; one member called it their 'kayak launch site.'
•Committee requested sidewalks, crosswalks, footpaths and public parking be shown to evaluate pedestrian connections and developability.
•DNR GIS labels still mark roadside ditches as fish-bearing despite prior Fish & Wildlife findings; committee members say designation persisted for seven years.
•Members praised the environmental group's improvements to Weeks Point beach; picnic table will remain.
•Parcel numbering and access were reviewed; staff noted county parcel map shows one parcel number while application shows two distinct parcels.
•Project will remove previous ground-tire media and replace with cleaner media and rock for truck access.
•Proposed CAO buffer increases (100-180 ft ranges discussed) could significantly reduce developable area in small parcels in Lopez Village UGA.
•Randy recused himself because he is a Sewer District director.
•Staff said routine boundary modifications do not require the full planning process if no new lots are created.
•Staff to add habitat, wetland, stream corridor, parcel and right-of-way layers to the Lopez Village base map.

Decisions

•Approve boundary line modification (voice vote).
•Approve shoreline exemption for Weeks Point (voice vote).
•Committee recommended approval to proceed; motion passed by voice 'Aye' as recorded.
•Motion to recommend that freshwater buffer increases not be implemented in UGAs until impacts are assessed (motion recorded and seconded; no recorded roll-call vote in provided transcript).
•Staff to provide a printed and digital map prior to the next meeting.

Directions

•Committee to forward recommendation to county review body; Sewer District to pursue permitting and mitigation steps.
•Staff to consult GIS staff and add feasible layers; print a large-format map for the chair and circulate digital copies to the committee.
•Staff to consult with county GIS contact (Colin Maycock) to determine status of stream-designation removal process and report back.
•Staff to forward approval for recording/permitting.
•Staff to forward approval through county permitting channels.
•Staff to prepare analysis of how proposed buffer changes would affect developable parcels in the Lopez Village UGA.

Oct

County Council Work Session Meeting

The San Juan County Council approved 2026 HOME Fund awards, prioritizing Lees Landing and Peapatch operations funding while allocating a $25,000 placeholder to Waldron; the council also heard winter-shelter plans for San Juan and Orcas islands and directed staff to delay reopening vacation-rental applications until a fee review is finished.

Discussion Points

•Concerns raised in community correspondence about the Waldron project
•Council consideration of partial symbolic awards vs. full funding
•Funding sources include county, town, foundations and donors
•Lottery system and software to randomize winners (modeled on ADU process)
•Privacy policies and guest supports including laundry and referrals
•Project readiness (site ownership, testing, design energy savings) and pledged private funds
•Shelter dates and hours, volunteer recruitment and training, transport coordination from ferry landings
•Volunteer certification, transport from ferry landings, funding for multi-season operations
•Whether 0.1% sales tax funds can be used for O&M reimbursments and how to monitor the county share of O&M costs
•Whether to award a small partial amount to Waldron to demonstrate support
•Whether to keep a county-managed wait list for unsuccessful applicants
•Whether to prioritize Lees Landing due to readiness and leverage effect
•Whether to publish an application window before fee-study completion

Decisions

•$25,000 partial award approved for Housing on the Commons (Waldron)
•Approved $25,000 partial award to Waldron
•Approved Lees Landing funding ($3,709,596)
•Approved Pea Patch O&M funding ($310,000)
•Orcas shelter to open Nov. 8 and operate through March 31; staff to continue coordination
•Shelter to operate nightly Nov. 9–March 31 at Marie Beaux Building
•Staff to return with updated fee schedule and proposed application timing; acceptance to occur after fee updates

Directions

•Coordinate transport plans with sheriff and EMS; continue cross-island shelter coordination
•Council approved a $25,000 partial award to Waldron and asked staff to return to council with updates if revenues increase
•Delay public application acceptance until after fee-study results are finalized (mid-January target)
•Do not maintain a long-term county-managed wait list; require reapplication if not selected
•Staff and shelter operators to coordinate on volunteer certifications, transport and supply needs
•Staff to hold partial Waldron funds until project meets funding and lease-up conditions
•Staff to prepare grant agreements and reimbursement process for Pea Patch O&M
•Staff to report back on fund balance and potential amendments in early 2027

Oct

Board of Health

San Juan County Board of Health met Oct. 21, 2026. Members adopted an update to environmental health fees effective Jan. 1, 2027, heard vaccine-clinic and respiratory virus season briefings, received a countywide prevention update, and discussed board vacancies and a health officer transition.

Discussion Points

•82 clinics and 828 vaccines given Oct. 2025–Sep. 2026; 177 COVID vaccines in past year; increased RSV infant vaccinations and higher flu clinic activity.
•Comparisons made to neighboring local health jurisdictions; inter-island ferry travel increases inspection costs.
•Early onset influenza activity; RSV protection availability for infants and older adults; COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for people 6 months and older.
•Funding landscape: local ATOAD funds, opioid settlement bridge funding, regional and state prevention grants; Lopez awarded a federal Drug-Free Communities grant.
•Healthy Youth Survey shows strong protective factors and hope but identifies emerging threats (nicotine pouches, online gambling, disordered eating).
•Lisa DiGiorgio stepped down; Dr. Stephen Ruby applied for reappointment.
•Methodology: staff-time calculations, average salary + benefits, hourly contracted health officer rate, and a 15% indirect rate.
•Potential cascade effects include funding loss for hospitals and gaps in legal oversight for 72-hour holds and evaluations.
•Projected revenue impact for 2027 estimated at approximately $18,000.
•Recruitment will follow state law and may require adding or reclassifying a non-elected seat due to tribal-representation language changes.
•Skagit County prosecutor ceased ITA court oversight, risking interruption to involuntary-treatment pathways and funding for beds; a temporary negotiated solution is in place through year-end.
•Supply improved compared with past shortages; county uses school clinics, Lucy Bee van outreach, office visits and community events.

Decisions

•Adopted revised environmental health fee schedule, effective 01/01/2027.

Directions

•Continue coalition support, maintain bridge funding where needed, encourage board attendance at youth events and state prevention summits.
•Continue school clinics and outreach; update website with clinic info and referrals to pharmacies for insured residents.
•Post updated fee schedule to county website; conduct deeper time-study next year to refine cost estimates.
•Staff to monitor negotiations and funding impacts and report back to the board.
•Staff to pursue recruitment, coordinate with prosecutor's office on state-law language, and update the board in December.
•Update website and public outreach; prioritize outreach to seniors and high-risk individuals.

Oct

Board of Health

San Juan County Board of Health met on 2026-10-21; members approved updated environmental health fees effective 2027-01-01 and received presentations on respiratory-season vaccines, clinic activity, and countywide youth-prevention programs.

Discussion Points

•Board noted ferry travel raises local inspection costs
•Clinic counts (82) and vaccinations reported (828 for Oct 2025–Sept 2026)
•Earlier-than-usual influenza activity and RSV hospitalization risks
•Emerging threats: nicotine pouches, online gambling/gamification, social-media pressures
•Health officer candidate in process to replace outgoing health officer
•Healthy Youth Survey trends showing declines in alcohol and tobacco use
•Local coalitions funded by federal Drug‑Free Communities grants and opioid settlement bridge funds
•Logistics: schools, mobile van, homebound visits; prior supply constraints for COVID vaccines
•Minutes deferred due to prior meeting absences
•New RSV prevention options for infants and older adults
•No public comments were received during the hearing
•Recommendation to prioritize high‑risk groups for vaccination
•Recruitment process following state law; potential need to add a non‑elected seat due to tribal-representation language change
•Staff presented a cost-of-service methodology including staff time and a 15% indirect rate

Decisions

•Adopt revised fee schedule effective 01/01/2027

Directions

•Conduct detailed time-study in 2027 to refine fees
•Continue cross‑island coordination and technical assistance; consider sustained opioid-settlement funding to support prevention after grant cycles
•Post updated fee schedule online
•Proceed with recruitment and reappointment processes; update board in December
•Public-facing update via county website and partnership with pharmacies and senior outreach
•Staff may present fuller seasonal totals at a later meeting (November/December)

Oct

Planning Commission

Joint public hearing on proposed 2026 amendments to San Juan Countys Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and Shoreline Master Program (SMP); staff and state Ecology described the amendment process and 'no net loss' standard, planners proposed larger habitat buffers and other code changes, many residents and builders urged more time and objected to buffer sizes and removal of a guidance figure. Hearing continued to Nov. 20.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners and members of the public expressed concerns about buffer widths, removal of figure 18 50 090, impacts on nonconforming structures, and the need for more time for practitioners and interested parties to review technical materials.
•County staff described available mechanisms (buffer averaging, reasonable-use exception, shoreline variances) but agreed to clarify these processes.
•Ecology will review all SMP amendment materials for consistency with the Shoreline Management Act and WAC guidance and assess 'no net loss' at both program and project levels.
•Friends recommended explicit code language to separate CAO and SMP applicability and to require BAS support for buffer modifications.
•Kimball argued for conditional low-intensity classification for agri-solar and raised concerns over changes in land-use intensity that could expand wetland buffers.
•Multiple practitioners said deletion of figure 18 50 090 and fixed buffers would raise costs and require more variances.
•Planners presented trade-offs between prescriptive fixed-width buffers (predictability) and site-potential tree-height RMZ approach (closer to best available science).
•Planners proposed 180-foot Type F freshwater buffers and 110–150-foot marine buffers depending on slope and erosion.
•Public commenters argued the proposals could block development in some UGAs; environmental advocates urged adoption of state-recommended protections.

Decisions

•Hearing continued to Nov. 20; no final regulatory action taken.

Directions

•Staff to clarify how buffers will be mapped and applied (UGA exceptions or exemptions) and to include supporting BAS crosswalk in the record.
•Staff to consider specific amendment requests (O'Pelco proposals) and address agricultural impacts in responses to comments.
•Staff to prepare responses to written comments, post a public comment response matrix, and consider revisions before the Nov. 20 continued hearing.
•Staff to provide a clear explanation of variance, buffer averaging and reasonable-use exception processes in the response to public comments.
•Staff to resolve code cross-reference ambiguities and specify where mitigation requirements for marine Type S waters are located in the proposed code.

Oct

Building Advisory Council

Building Advisory Council meeting (San Juan County) on Oct. 15 focused on planned updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline Master Program, a county-led fee study for building and land-use permits, a proposal to adopt IRC temporary-housing provisions (R107) for short-term seasonal housing, a debate over redefining “dwelling unit” and formation of a subcommittee, and a motion to develop a pre-application meeting process.

Discussion Points

•Council agreed to schedule a fuller discussion at the next meeting.
•Council moved to develop the pre-app process and asked staff to present recommendations next month.
•County did not adopt IRC temporary-housing provisions in 2014; staff propose adopting R107 into Title 15 to allow temporary seasonal occupancy with minimal inspection and permitting.
•County will hold a joint public hearing with Planning Commission and Department of Ecology; Planning Commission might deliberate but staff did not expect immediate recommendation.
•Members agreed a volunteer subcommittee should research energy-code, fire, land-use and financial implications and return recommendations in about a month.
•Pre-application meetings can reduce later permit delays by having multiple departments review complex projects in a single session.
•Proposal would allow dwellings composed of separate 'pods' rather than a single building, prompting concerns about conflicts with NEC and zoning.
•Staff and members said the county planning commission asked DCD to address the issue and the advisory council to provide perspectives.
•Staff proposed consolidating wetland water-quality and habitat buffers; increasing some fish/wildlife habitat buffers to a 110-foot baseline; proposing geohazard setbacks tied to slope and height.
•Staff recommended a simple, low-cost permit to verify life-safety systems and possible seismic anchoring for RVs/tiny homes.
•Staff reported about 40 comment letters, most focused on redevelopment of nonconforming shoreline structures.
•Staff reported fees unchanged for ~20 years and current fees do not cover department costs.
•Staff suggested the fee-study consultant calculate an appropriate fee; examples from other jurisdictions suggested around $500 previously.
•Staff will present fee-study findings to county council in January or February and invited council input.

Decisions

•develop_preapplication_process
•form_dwelling_definition_subcommittee
•schedule_temporary_housing_next_meeting

Directions

•Council directed staff to circulate IRC R107 and related materials before next meeting.
•Staff to coordinate with consultant and prepare initial recommendation and fee estimate.
•Subcommittee to convene (3–4 members) and return a written report in ~3–4 weeks.

Oct

Housing Advisory Committee

The San Juan County Housing Advisory Committee met Oct. 15, 2026 by hybrid format. Members recommended the county council proceed with an initial $50,000 award to the Waldron Community Land Trust and expressed support to fully fund the Waldron request (up to $330,000) when revenues allow; staff updated members on Lees Landing, Pea Patch and Lydia Lane projects, winter shelter plans on Orcas and San Juan islands, coordinated entry/HMIS modernization, membership turnover and the 2027 work plan.

Discussion Points

•Annual report and work plan due end of November; three member seats expire Feb. 2027; suggestion to invite director of community development to early 2027 meeting; staff recommended early planning for a 2028 funding renewal.
•County support is provided via grants and coordination for centralized shelter locations on San Juan Island.
•County will work with Dept. of Commerce on monitoring and updating coordinated entry policies; committee is designated policy oversight body; HMIS security and opt-out option are available; resource centers concerned about data entry duplication.
•Current uncommitted Home Fund balance (~$3.6M); Lees Landing request slightly over $3.7M; potential to generate additional revenue within two weeks; council can delay or decline funding.
•Last season the program operated 150 of 151 days; volunteer recruitment and training; operational changes including beds and stipends.
•Pea Patch infrastructure at ~95% completion; final plat submission and lot creation; Dawson Construction mobilization timeline; Lydia Lane modular construction begun and delivery/sales timeline.
•Whether to keep $50,000 initial recommendation while seeking full funding later; county's administrative ability to amend awards after initial grant; advisory committee's freedom to recommend policy to council.

Decisions

•Committee to provide feedback on draft coordinated entry policies.
•Next meeting set for Dec. 9; committee to review draft reports and work plan.
•No formal decisions recorded; informational update.
•No formal funding decision by committee beyond recommendation forwarding.
•Orcas shelter to operate Nov. 8–March 31 with increased stipends and volunteer training requirements.
•Recommend $50,000 initial award and recommend full funding up to $330,000 when funds are available.

Directions

•Shelter to open Nov. 8 through March 31; county and island providers to present to council Oct. 26.
•Staff and Laurie to draft updated policies and circulate to committee for review over next months.
•Staff to present applications to council Oct. 26 and report back to advisory committee.
•Staff to submit final plat to county for review; construction updates forthcoming.
•Staff to transmit recommendations to council and continue revenue monitoring.
•Start recruiting replacements and drafting work plan; staff to reach out to Department of Community Development director for a future meeting.

Oct

Ferry Advisory Committee

San Juan County Fair Advisory Committee discussed Washington State Ferries (WSF) service updates including reservation planning, crew shortages in the engine department, the closure of Lot C at Friday Harbor, Lopez terminal camera work and a Lopez reservations study, terminal impacts on freight deliveries, and a joint transportation vessel refurbishment plan.

Discussion Points

•Engine-room staffing shortages are the major source of cancellations
•Estimated costs are in the multi‑billion dollar range and will require funding and shipyard capacity
•FAC requests camera angles be reconsidered while crews are on site
•FAC seeks to publish informational notice and verify alternative parking options with town officials
•GEC contract completed and Lopez reservation study will be a near‑term task
•Legislative vessel refurbishment plan suggests multi‑year preservation and retirements for quad‑class vessels
•Lot C closed for safety, abandoned vehicles, trash, and failed enforcement of 72‑hour limit
•New email list coordinates truck movements and ferries to reduce wasted materials
•Recent improvement reduced incidents of dumped cement estimated at $10,000 per incident
•Relief engineers are scarce and require long certification processes
•Schedules will largely remain unchanged during short closures; ferries will skip closed stops and create longer dwell times
•Study will emphasize community engagement and options analysis
•Utility locate and on‑site staking scheduled tomorrow with county, Opalco, terminal engineering and IT
•WSF to release reservation communications and adjust allotments around closures

Directions

•Create informational Engage notice about Lot C closure

Oct

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

The San Juan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met Oct. 7, 2026 to review presentations, update scoring and conflict-of-interest procedures, require clearer grantee reporting, consider a $500,000 contract-extension request for the Agate Beach relocation project, and finalize grant recommendations including a reduced award to Skagit Valley College's Road Scholar program.

Discussion Points

•Blake highlighted measurable hotel nights and vendor spending from Road Scholar groups and proposed a combined town-county marketing ask of $30,000–$40,000.
•Committee agreed quarterly reimbursements should be a condition for multi‑quarter awards and that attendance reports (mandatory) must be filed by Jan. 31, 2027.
•Committee balanced requests against measurable visitor impacts (heads and beds) and grantee capacity to execute.
•Committee discussed typical timelines for public works and community engagement.
•Committee drafted language for an annual membership review and required staff to ensure existing semiannual reports reach LTAC.
•Committee members questioned an unexplained $10,000 virtual lecture line item and pressed for more detail on how marketing funds would be spent.
•Committee reached consensus to reduce the county portion of the request by $10,000 to $10,100.
•Committee recommended a $590,000 award with the added contract language and improved reporting, to be finalized by PA.
•Members raised concerns about member engagement and the Visitors Bureau's responsiveness to members and suggested clearer deliverables in the scope.
•Motion to approve extension carried by voice vote.
•Multiple applicants had awards reduced or partially funded to preserve a buffer and ensure oversight.
•Public Works requested extension for the Agate Beach relocation project; staff had received voucher requests indicating work continues.
•Staff presented list of applicants with no reimbursement activity; auditor and coordinator workload cited as concerns.
•Staff will include new reporting requirements and contract edits in the packet to council.
•The consequences for noncompliance were clarified: a one‑year loss of eligibility to apply.

Decisions

•Adopt reporting and reimbursement requirements as contract conditions.
•Approve contract extension to allow collection into 2027.
•Forward recommended awards to county council for final approval.
•Recommend $590,000 award to Visitors Bureau conditioned on contract language and reporting.
•Recommend county award of $10,100 to Skagit Valley College for Road Scholar marketing.

Directions

•Committee will reconvene in December to review bylaws and member vacancies.
•Kelsey to offer assistance for filing vouchers.
•Staff to add clarifying conditions about allowable expenses and required reporting to the council recommendation packet.
•Staff to add contract condition language and notify grantees.
•Staff to add membership-review language to scope, route to PA and ensure semiannual reports are circulated to LTAC before funds are executed.
•Staff to finalize award list and contract-scope edits and submit to the PA and county council.
•Staff to route extension to PA for finalization and provide timeline for completion.

Oct

County Council Regular Session Meeting

San Juan County Council convened Oct. 6, 2026. Councillors discussed a major Washington State Ferries service disruption and drafted legislative priorities for 2027; they held two public hearings that resulted in (1) adoption of a wildlife ordinance adding a new chapter to county code Title 6 and (2) approval of a resolution to sell 520 Spring Street to Compass Health. The council also approved a one-year PFAP grant extension for the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District.

Discussion Points

•Council asked about legal concerns; staff indicated the PA's office reviewed prior versions and was aware of potential challenges.
•Council asked legislative team to explore reservation-system changes to prioritize essential service providers; WSF indicated changes may need to be systemwide or be included in an RFP.
•Council members reported widespread disruptions from WSF outage and provided anecdotal economic impacts (e.g., $700 extra airfare, $220 hotel charge, 16–18 hour wait).
•Feasibility of adding ESP prioritization in WSF reservation system; WSF indicated changes may need to be systemwide or be done within an RFP.
•Local health-system stakeholders and other small counties expressed interest in the concept.
•Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District requested extension because project likely will not finish by original contract end date.
•Partial reimbursements already processed.
•Sale follows a multiyear county-Compass Health relationship and recent state grant.
•Senate staff/AG opinion indicated passenger-only ferry statutory exception does not clearly include county ferry districts; council discussed whether to seek legislative change.
•Stakeholder group and prosecuting attorney involved in drafting and revisions.
•The county will compile constituent emails and reports and share them with staff and legislative representatives.
•Three policy options discussed: regionalization, two-carrier minimum, payer pre-verification.
•Two appraisal processes were completed as part of the transaction.

Decisions

•Council approved the resolution authorizing the sale.
•Extension approved; staff to finalize contract paperwork.
•Ordinance adopted; effective date set for 2027-01-01.

Directions

•Council liaison to the FAC to attend next ferry-advisory-committee meeting and share council concerns.
•County legislative representatives (Josh Weese and Joe McDermott) to follow up with legislators and WSF about reservation-system feasibility.
•County manager authorized to extend contract through 12/31/2027.
•County staff to compile and code constituent emails documenting economic and medical impacts.
•Legislative staff to prepare a one-page summary and to initiate outreach to the Health Benefit Exchange and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
•Legislative staff to prepare a refined priorities document separating active asks from watch/track items.
•Staff to complete closing consistent with purchase-and-sale agreement and deposit proceeds into capital reserves.
•Staff to coordinate outreach with communications coordinator and stakeholders before Jan. 1 effective date.
•Staff to obtain and circulate the AG/UTC written opinion and further analysis.

Oct

County Council Work Session Meeting

San Juan County Council held public hearings on the 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Program and capital plan, reviewed projected 2027 county revenues and the draft 2027 annual budget, approved three property-tax levy ordinances, and adopted the 2027 annual budget after extensive public comment — notably strong opposition to a proposed reorganization of the Department of Environmental Stewardship.

Discussion Points

•Council asked clarifying questions about projects in Orcas and tie-ins to the TIP.
•Council asked whether Jackson's Beach was on the array and how much funding remained for planning and design.
•Council discussed one‑time vs ongoing reductions, organizational reorganization and departmental impacts on services (health, public safety, environmental stewardship).
•Councilmember Fuller announced an abstention and cited concerns about organizational restructuring and long‑term fiscal strategy.
•County manager explained the ordinances are for the straight 1% increases; staff noted additional add‑ons for new construction could increase levies further.
•IPD at 3.876% allows levy increases beyond 1% base via add‑ons for new construction.
•No public testimony on this item; council discussed the legal constraints and fiscal impacts briefly.
•Public commenters emphasized DES's grant leverage and regional partnerships; multiple organizations documented their concerns in written comments.
•Seitz presented TIP components including priority array, bridge and marine reports.
•Speakers warned that dispersing staff and removing the director would jeopardize funding, project delivery and compliance capacity.
•Staff confirmed $19,000 for planning in 2027 and $477,000 in draft budget carryover for the project.
•Staff recommended conservative interest revenue estimates and discussed volatility in intergovernmental grants driven by one‑time CARES funding in 2021.

Decisions

•Adopted 2027 budget ordinance; moved to executive session to discuss collective bargaining.
•Adopted CIP resolution; confirmed Jackson's Beach project remains included.
•Adopted TIP; adopted the annual construction program.
•No formal action required; informational public hearing held.
•No formal decision recorded at this meeting to change staffing; the council adopted the budget and will continue organizational discussions.
•Ordinances for 1% levy increases passed by voice vote.

Directions

•Council to consider public comments in budget deliberations and planned organizational reviews; staff to capture written comments in the record and explore alternatives.
•Staff to coordinate with assessor for levy notices and to capture add‑ons if chosen later.
•Staff to incorporate TIP changes into final budget exhibits and provide project cut sheets for council review.
•Staff to reconcile CIP and TIP exhibits with the budget office and capture carryover funding in the final budget exhibits.
•Staff to reconcile exhibits, capture written public comments and prepare implementation steps; council to consider long‑term revenue options including a potential levy lid lift or local revenue measures.
•Use revenue estimates as baseline for levy decisions and budget appropriation exhibits.

Oct

Eastsound Planning Review Committee

San Juan County committee discussed parking and public-works site limits, a budget timeline and revenue options including a proposed 0.1% sales-tax earmark, several public comments on parks and land-banking, a Sea View Theater marquee proposal focused on a non-animated digital/e-ink display, and permit reviews including an OPALCO solar array and a mobile-home hillside safety concern.

Discussion Points

•Applicants proposed a static e-ink style marquee to replace the current marquee to improve safety and reduce light output.
•Committee raised dark-skies/shielding and ordinance compliance questions and requested before/after renderings and operational controls.
•Committee requested attention to critical-area buffers and public engagement.
•Concern over hillside stability and recent excavation adjacent to proposed mobile-home site.
•County is drawing down cash reserves and is currently 'deficit spending'.
•Four revenue options presented: sales tax, property tax, and two reallocations of general-fund allocations.
•Orcas Island Park & Rec levy renewal planned for November; survey and appraisal work for the Village Green land-banking transaction complete and in PA's office.
•Project located on ~8 acres behind power facility; prior forest-practices permit prevented SEPA but current clearing/grading triggers SEPA.
•Proposal under consideration: 0.1% sales-tax earmark for environmental purposes.
•Question whether plat-level geotechnical reports remain adequate for current construction.
•Speakers advised legal steps are required for property exchange (simultaneous purchase/sale) and suggested volunteer counsel support.

Directions

•Applicants to prepare and return with a proposed design showing before/after, brightness controls and off-hour scheduling.
•Applicant to proceed with clearing/grading permit and SEPA review and to provide public outreach materials.
•Await PA signature and continue negotiations; consider volunteer legal assistance and LTAC funding as appropriate.
•Staff to refine revenue options and discuss legislative priorities with the county lobbyist (Josh Reese).
•Staff to verify existing geotechnical documentation and require updated site-specific geotech report if necessary.

Oct

Marine Advisory Committees Meeting - MRC/CAG/LIO

San Juan County Marine Resources Committee discussed a Washington State Department of Ecology briefing on a newly listed Canadian West Coast oil pipeline project, local concerns about increased tanker traffic and spill response, MRC operational items (conference, retreat, youth membership), and a range of marine‑resource updates including mooring buoy statute comments and derelict vessel work.

Discussion Points

•CER listing accelerates permitting and led Ecology to recommend against listing.
•Conference registration deadline Oct. 19 and reimbursement availability.
•DNR took custody of the vessel 'Eula' for impending removal.
•Eavis Landing kelp monitoring (30.5 acres) and Sea Grant MOLT search invasive‑species program.
•Enforcement capacity is the critical implementation gap, particularly for outer islands.
•Funding proposal to match community litter funds for outer island removals.
•Kirk recommended watching CER process and possibly registering as an intervenor.
•Planned flight route to demonstrate habitat proximity to shipping lanes.
•Resident questioned creation of a $198,000 deputy county manager position and urged public participation in the budget hearing.
•Resident stated Justin's presentation indicated permanent elimination of the director of environmental stewardship.
•Support for clarifying DNR authority on unpermitted mooring buoys.

Directions

•Contact Amanda Fisher at the governor's office for regional coordination.
•Continue tracking DNR proposal and coordinate outreach to outer‑island contacts.
•Hold preflight briefing with maps and handouts for the congressman.
•Members encouraged to register; staff to circulate links and presentation plans.
•Pursue Rose Foundation funding and coordinate with Humpback Hauler and volunteers.

Sep

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

San Juan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met Sept. 29, 2026 to hear funding requests from arts, festivals, conservation and tourism organizations seeking LTAC support for 2027 programs and capital needs.

Discussion Points

•Alchemy reported $65,000 gross vendor revenue for 2026 Lavender Festival and proposed marketing budget to increase off‑island attendance.
•A new VR exhibit (Critical Distance) will be installed; museum plans local preview and expects media interest.
•Committee asked about measurement; presenter noted ticketing ZIP-code tracking and room-night trades.
•Committee praised youth outcomes; presenters gave anecdotal evidence of educational and career benefits.
•Committee questioned methods for counting paid lodging nights; presenter described class-registration and Square purchase tracking and plans to add lodging fields.
•Festival claims 55–65% off‑island attendance and uses LTAC for regional marketing.
•Museum requested funds for branding and website to link SoundWatch and Marine Mammal Response programs to the museum identity.
•Park & Rec described a request of $85,000 to maintain parks that host farmers markets and concerts year‑round.
•Presenters argued the facilities are tourism infrastructure that support overnight stays and local spending; committee discussed budgetary context and potential recurring ask.
•Presenters framed the request as partial funding that would be useful at multiple levels; emphasized energy savings and ability to host larger touring artists.
•Requested LTAC marketing will fund digital advertising, photography, partner materials and website upgrades for 2027 'stay and swim' programming.
•Swim center logged 5,500 visits and 1,270 uniques in first two months; 351 visitors came from >50 miles away.
•Theater described operational and safety limitations of a 30-year-old counterweight rigging system and requested funding for a cable-based, load-sensing upgrade.
•YCC reported 39 enrolled crew members, 5,200 collective field hours and multiple restoration projects; asked for $20,000 (≈10% of annual budget).

Sep

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

The San Juan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee met Sept. 29, 2026 to hear funding requests from arts, culture and tourism projects across the islands, review program budgets, and plan deliberations for final awards on Oct. 7. Presenters described marketing plans, event operations and projected visitor impacts for multiple shoulder-season initiatives.

Discussion Points

•County fleet replacement reserves have been insufficient and recent budget cuts have tightened capital funding.
•Event drew 284 attendees, ~90 paid lodging nights, ~50% off‑island attendees.
•Funding covers musician stipends, screening fees, a market manager and advertising.
•Grange programs include winter market, storytelling nights, film showings and heritage events.
•Outcomes projected: 1,500 participants and 100,000 viewers reached via regional marketing.
•Postcard mailings and shuttle service cited as key drivers of off‑island attendance.
•Presenters described site structure, listings (500+), interactive map and target markets (Seattle–Bellingham corridor).
•Program breakdown: 4 programs with per-program budgets and event counts.
•Request: $39,000 for marketing (50% paid), content (20%), project/tech management.
•Three electric utility vehicles are inoperable or degraded; replacement is operationally necessary.

Directions

•Committee to consider phased funding options if full award is not possible.
•Grange will continue collecting attendee origin and lodging data to quantify LTAC impact.
•Present a specific off‑island marketing plan and shuttle cost estimates for committee review prior to awards.
•Presenters to provide clearer web‑reach metrics and conversion tracking to committee before final award deliberation.
•Presenters to supply participation tracking approach and clarify revenue flows (ticketing to instructors) before funding decisions.

Sep

Community Budget with SJC Council Chair Justin Paulsen - SJI

County staff presented San Juan County's 2027 budget outlook, explaining a projected draw on reserves, proposed cuts across departments and options for new revenue; the council set a public hearing to open Oct. 5 and invited public comment.

Discussion Points

•0.1% public safety sales tax (~$800k-$850k)
•Council asked for legal clarity on whether moving utility fees to general management is allowable
•Council policy requires 10% minimum ending cash and 15% budget stabilization fund
•County general fund ~ $30M and composition (property tax ~30%, sales tax ~40%, fees/other ~30%)
•Cutting programs (e.g., electronic monitoring) can raise other expenses
•Elimination proposed for environmental stewardship director, agricultural resources coordinator, and facilities director
•HCS director obtained a one-year grant to backfill the cut
•HCS required to find $300,000 in reductions
•Law-and-justice makes up ~50% of general fund expenses
•Levy spin-off options for counties at cap; prior April 2026 levy lid lift failed
•Possible affected services include Meals on Wheels, senior services, and immunizations
•Public hearing to open Oct. 5; auditor to present consolidated materials
•Separate property tax for public health (up to 5 cents per $1,000; ~ $450k)
•Some utility-funded salary lines proposed to move to county manager's office to fund deputy county manager
•Staff projection showing cash consumption and need for $4M in reductions
•State public defense funding increased but remains far below local costs

Decisions

•Council opted not to adopt new revenue measures at this meeting
•Public hearing scheduled for Oct. 5; no adoption taken at this meeting

Directions

•Auditor to post consolidated budget and materials for Oct. 5 hearing
•Staff to clarify RCW constraints and the funding sources for deputy county manager before finalizing shifts
•Staff to document the grant backfill and note one-year duration in budget materials
•Staff to email updated tracker sheet and cuts list to council

Sep

Hearing Examiner

San Juan County hearing examiner Gary McLean opened a public hearing docket on Sept. 23, 2026; the examiner dismissed a single-family dock permit after the applicant withdrew, continued a Port of Friday Harbor shoreline permit to the October docket at the port's request, and continued an appeal of a provisional use permit for Madrona Street to October.

Discussion Points

•Appellate counsel said they were awaiting public-records responses necessary for their case.
•County staff advised that public comments had been received and the port requested time to prepare responses.
•Examiner clarified appeals do not invite public comment.
•Port executive director said the port received substantial legal commentary the previous day and needed more time.
•Staff confirmed an email request to withdraw the application.

Decisions

•Appeal continued to the October docket.
•Examiner continued the port's shoreline permit hearing to the October docket.
•The examiner dismissed file 26-0009 based on the applicant's withdrawal.

Directions

•If parties request further continuances, provide a short written motion stating good cause in advance.
•Port to file written responses promptly so staff can post supplemental material at least one week before the continued hearing.

Sep

County Council Regular Session Meeting

San Juan County Council met Sept. 22, 2026 to handle routine business, hear several staff presentations (BEI training; transportation plan; critical areas code update), review a 2027–32 capital improvement plan and continue detailed budget hearings for the 2027 preliminary budget.

Discussion Points

•11 projects recommended totaling approx. $1.9M; projects include facilities assessment, emergent repair fund, shop construction, septic replacement and design funds for a Lopez sheriff substation.
•Added wording noting healthcare providers rely on ferry service and impacts of disruptions.
•Council asked for CIP to present sources and an island-sorted view.
•Council discussed whether to meet a $320,000 state-mandated increase to mental-health/developmental-disabilities funding via a councilmanic levy, internal transfers, or future levy lid lift.
•Council requested evaluation metrics and follow-up mechanisms (quarterly check-ins, departmental rollouts).
•Ecology recommended allowing 1–2 years for mitigation after emergency response; council warned this could be infeasible for large infrastructure projects without funding.
•Presenters described nominal rent and safety benefits; no public testimony was received.
•Presenters reported training design, attendance and content; attendance averaged ~60 per session.
•Proposed removal of no-mitigation reasonable-use exception; new mitigation sequencing and compensation ratios for wetlands; updated mapping and buffer standards.
•Updated PEB rates and interfund reconciliations produced improved cash balances and a balanced 2027 preliminary budget.
•WDFW recommended site-potential tree-height approach; county proposes prescriptive buffers (e.g., 100 ft minimum for water quality; up to 180 ft for some Type F streams).
•WSDOT requested deeper tribal consultation and clarity on language-access accommodations.

Decisions

•Allocate $320,000 in the 2027 budget to mental-health/developmental-disabilities fund (line-item approach); no decision on revenue-side remedies at this meeting.
•Resolution adopted authorizing lease execution.

Directions

•County manager authorized to execute lease.
•Forward data to ferry advisory committee and WSDOT as appropriate.
•Staff directed to line-item $320,000 in the HCS budget to meet the state requirement and to return with program design and revenue scenarios for 2028–29 considerations.
•Staff to collect provider-level data on missed appointments and costs and to report back.
•Staff to refine draft language on emergency mitigation timelines and waiver criteria and to publish crosswalks showing which public comments came from agencies vs. the public.
•Staff to return with CIP spreadsheet organized by island and with funding notes.
•Staff to return with proposed metrics and sustainment options.

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